Monty Python star Terry Jones has passed away at the age of 77.
In a statement published by the BBC, his family said he died yesterday evening with his wife Anna Soderstrom by his side.
They said he had fought a “long, extremely brave but always good-humoured battle with a rare form of dementia, FTD.”
“Over the past few days his wife, children, extended family and many close friends have been constantly with Terry as he gently slipped away at his home in north London,” reads the statement.
“We have all lost a kind, funny, warm, creative and truly loving man whose uncompromising individuality, relentless intellect and extraordinary humour has given pleasure to countless millions across six decades.”
The Welsh actor was a founding member of the comedy troupe and directed three of it's most famous films - The Holy Grail, which he co-directed with Terry Gilliam, The Life of Brian and The Meaning of Life.
File photo dated 07/10/99 of (left to right)former Monty Python stars Terry Gilliam, Terry Jones, John Cleese and Michael Palin attending a charity screening of their film Life Of Brian at London's Leicester Square to celebrate their 30th anniversary. Jones, who had dementia, has died at the age of 77. Picture by: Justin Williams/PA Wire/PA ImagesHis family said his work, which spans across books, films, TV programmes, poems and more, will "live on forever, a fitting legacy to a true polymath."
They expressed hope that dementia will one day be “eradicated entirely.”
“We ask that our privacy be respected at this sensitive time and give thanks that we lived in the presence of an extraordinarily talented, playful and happy man, living a truly authentic life, in his words: ‘Lovingly frosted with glucose.’"
Pythons pay tribute
Terry Jones' fellow Pythons paid tribute to the actor, comedian and director.
Speaking to Sean Moncrieff on Newstalk, Terry Gilliam said Terry Jones had an interest in all topics, not just comedy.
He said: "Terry had a mind that was just searching always - and he was always looking for what's wrong with the world, railing about it and trying to find ways of putting it better.
"The energy which was so central to Terry... he was just a fireball. You couldn't put him down."
John Cleese took to Twitter to pay tribute - calling Jones a man of "many talents and such endless enthusiasm".
Just heard about Terry J
It feels strange that a man of so many talents and such endless enthusiasm, should have faded so gently away...
Of his many achievements, for me the greatest gift he gave us all was his direction of 'Life of Brian'. Perfection
Two down, four to go— John Cleese (@JohnCleese) January 22, 2020
Eric Idle said: "Thank you all for your kind thoughts and messages of support for our dearly beloved brother Terry.
"It is a cruel and sad thing. But let's remember just what joy he brought to all of us."
I loved him the moment I saw him on stage at the Edinburgh Festival in 1963. So many laughs,moments of total hilarity onstage and off we have all shared with him. It’s too sad if you knew him,but if you didn’t you will always smile at the many wonderfully funny moments he gave us
— Eric Idle (@EricIdle) January 22, 2020
Michael Palin, meanwhile, described Jones as 'one of the funniest writer-performers of his generation'.
